A bipartisan bill aimed at closing the recycling infrastructure gap in rural and underserved communities has cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) introduced the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act in January 2025.
If enacted, HR 2145 would direct the US EPA to establish a competitive pilot grant program within 18 months of enactment, awarding between $500,000 and $15 million per project to states, local governments, tribes and public-private partnerships.
Eligible projects include expanding collection programs, increasing transfer station capacity and reducing transportation costs through public-private partnerships, according to a statement from Miller-Meeks.
At least 70% of available funds would go toward projects for underserved communities. The program would be authorized at $30 million annually through fiscal year 2029, with priority given to communities lacking a MRF within a 75-mile radius. Grant funds could be used to expand curbside collection, increase transfer station capacity and reduce transportation costs but not for recycling education programs.
“Rural communities should not be left behind when it comes to recycling infrastructure and economic opportunity,” Miller-Meeks said. “This legislation takes a practical, commonsense approach to improving recycling access, supporting local partnerships, strengthening domestic supply chains, and creating jobs in communities that have historically lacked access to these services.”
The legislation now heads to the full House.
Industry support for the bill spans many different stakeholders. The Aluminum Association, PLASTICS, the American Forest & Paper Association, The Recycling Partnership and the International Bottled Water Association are among the backers, alongside manufacturers including Kraft Heinz, Ball Corporation and SC Johnson.
“Expanding recycling access to rural and other underserved communities while improving recycling data will help American manufacturers recover more valuable aluminum, strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on imports,” said Aluminum Association CEO Charles Johnson.
